James R. Kotschevar

James (Jim) Ray Kotschevar, 71, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away August 14, 2025 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD, with family by his side. Jim was born February 20, 1954, in Richmond, MN to Vincent and Rita (Hommerding) Kotschevar. He married Mary Kay (Nordmann) June 18, 1977.

Jim was a hard-working business man, with strong ingenuity skills and a keen ability to look at things from a different perspective. A cowboy at heart, he cherished his family and found true joy in the companionship of his horses.

Jim was a founding member of the Stearns County Mounted Reserve and for many years worked mounted security at WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, MN. Jim taught horsemanship at Three Rivers Mounted Patrol Clinics.

Jim owned his own metal fabrication shop specializing in poultry, hog and horse industry (Service Equipment/Arena Fenceline) for over 35 years, in Paynesville, Minnesota. He raised elk for over 15 years in Minnesota and had a passion for raising and training horses. There was never a time horses were not a part of his life.

Jim enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, playing cards, carbles, scenic drives through the parks with his wife and dog Blu and spending time at Evans Plunge. He enjoyed sitting around the fire and sharing stories. He treasured his family and enjoyed teasing and playing with his grandchildren. Jim loved reminiscing about his time on the local amateur baseball and softball leagues.

He was preceded in death by his Father (Vince Kotschevar), Father in Law (Cyril Nordmann) and baby brother.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Kay of Hot Spring, South Dakota; children, Tony (Jen) Kotschevar of St. Martin, MN, Katie (Paul) Breth of Holdingford, MN; grandchildren, Mason (Jack), Mitchell, Myra, Maverick, Bennett, Chase, Trajan and Trigg, Mother Rita (Kotschevar), Mother in Law Lorraine (Nordmann) and six siblings.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date in South Dakota and Minnesota.